Do you want to grow commercial style -- in rows on plastic and replanting each year -- or in a more lazy "home" style in an established bed that you thin periodically?

Do you want an ever-bearing or June bearing variety?

When you say they haven't done well for you, what is the problem you are experiencing?

Also, what part of Alabama are you in?

I ordered the June-bearing "Chandler" from Petals from the Past last year, and was very pleased with the plant quality. They are a very nice tasting berry, sweet but tart.

Sunny raised beds with compost sounds like a good start. What was the compost made of? If it was heavily tree leaves and semi-finished (like most municipal compost), the first year can inhibit seed germination and plant growth.

I got some strawberry starts at Big Lots and thought I'd give them a try.